Take 6 takes the stage on Labor Day

It’s okay to admit it. A cappella is pretty damn cool. Take 6 is one of America’s most famous modern a cappella groups, incorporating jazz, R&B, soul, pop and gospel into their extensive repertoire. If that’s not enough guilty pleasure for you, consider that they’re basically a boy band. Imagine Boyz II Men without instruments and with a stronger Christian influence. Sold yet? Now you can see Take 6 live in the SCERA’s last outdoor concert of the season.
Take 6 has roots in Alabama stretching back nearly 30 years. The vocal group has won 10 Grammy awards and been nominated a total of 19 times, making them the most nominated R&B, Gospel or Jazz vocalists in Grammy history.

The group’s music can speak for itself – this is a cappella beyond simple barbershop harmonies. The sextet creates a complicated and yet soothing sound. Take 6 has worked in collaboration with such stars as Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, Quincy Jones and Ella Fitzgerald.

“This will be a first-class concert with consummate entertainers who are known for their brilliant harmonies,” said Adam J. Robertson, SCERA’s president and CEO.

Take 6 was formed by Claude V. McKnight III on the Oakwood College campus in Huntsville, Alabama in 1980. Originally a quartet called Alliance, Mark Kibble and Mervyn Warren joined to make it a sextet. Membership shifted until 1985, but since then the only change in group members was when Joey Kibble replaced Mervyn Warren in 1991.

More Info

When: Monday, Sept. 7 at 8 p.m.

Where: The SCERA Shell Outdoor Theater, 699 S. State St.

Tickets: $10-$12

Box Office: Tickets are available at the concert gate 90 minutes prior to the show, at the main office at the SCERA Center for the Arts, online at www.scera.org, or via phone at 801-225-ARTS

The concert is outdoors, so bring a blanket and pillows. Chairs are available for rent on a first-come first-serve basis for $1.

The Professional

Bass singer Alvin Chea holds a double bachelor’s degree in English and communication, and is currently pursuing a Juris Doctorate in Entertainment Law. Chea writes a monthly column about his experiences in the band at www.take6.com and has published a book, BASSLINES.

The Family Man

Second tenor David Thomas has produced records for many artists, including the Backstreet Boys; however, he’s most proud of his family life. His wife, Marla Thomas, and he have three children. Together, he and Marla raise champion Great Danes.

The Leader

First tenor Claude V. McKnight III started what would become Take 6 at Oakwood College in Alabama. He is the older brother of famed R&B singer Brian McKnight.

The Tough Guy

First tenor Mark Kibble, older brother to Joey Kibble, was born in the Bronx and has a passion for athletics, body building, mechanics, construction and the electrical trade. With his brother, he built and owns Vertical Sound Studio.

The Intellectual

Baritone Cedric Dent is a full-time professor of music at Middle Tennessee State University. He holds a B.M. in Vocal Music Education from the University of Michigan, a M.M. in Music Theory/Arranging from the University of Alabama and a Ph.D. in Music Theory from the University of Maryland.

The Man of God

Second tenor Joey Kibble, younger brother to Mark Kibble, left school to join Take 6, but has since returned to finish his undergraduate studies. According to take6.com, Joey is passionate about “a seven-part ministry made known in songwriting, physical fitness, vocal discipline, speaking, writing books, marriage and leadership.”